ISI: Cultivating Conservative Intellectualism
An academic exploration of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's role in promoting conservative and libertarian thought within American higher education.
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About ISI
Organization Overview
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to fostering conservative and libertarian intellectual traditions within American higher education. Founded in 1953, ISI has played a significant role in shaping discourse on college campuses through its various programs and publications.
Financials and Structure
Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ISI's financial activities are publicly documented. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, the organization reported revenues of $7,078,238 and expenses of $6,195,894. It is registered with the IRS under Tax ID 23-6050131.
Core Mission
ISI's foundational purpose is the education of students in the principles of limited government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, the rule of law, free-market economics, and traditional Judeo-Christian values. These tenets guide its extensive outreach and programming.
Historical Trajectory
Founding and Early Years
Established in 1953 by Frank Chodorov, the organization was initially known as the Intercollegiate Society of Individualists. William F. Buckley Jr., a recent Yale graduate, served as its inaugural president. Under the subsequent leadership of E. Victor Milione, ISI expanded its reach through publications, a membership network, lectures, conferences, and a graduate fellowship program, consistently promoting intellectual conservatism on campuses.
Leadership and Growth
T. Kenneth Cribb, a former Reagan administration official, led ISI from 1989 to 2011, overseeing a substantial increase in revenue from approximately one million dollars to over $13.6 million by 2005. Christopher G. Long succeeded Cribb, followed by John A. Burtka IV, who assumed the presidency in September 2020.
Intellectual Currents
In the 1980s, ISI and its journal Continuity, under the editorship of Paul Gottfried, were noted for featuring perspectives associated with neo-Confederate thought. ISI also serves as an advisory board member for Project 2025, a policy initiative aimed at reshaping the federal government.
Programs and Activities
Student Engagement
ISI actively engages students through various initiatives, including sponsoring student societies and supporting student publications. It also publishes a series of "Student's Guide to..." books, such as A Student's Guide to Liberal Learning, aimed at providing foundational knowledge in key academic disciplines.
Academic Outreach
The institute hosts conferences and events featuring prominent conservative and libertarian scholars and speakers. These events provide platforms for intellectual exchange and expose students to diverse viewpoints within the conservative intellectual landscape. ISI also provides funding for students to attend these academic gatherings.
Supporting Student Journalism
ISI administers the Collegiate Network, an organization that offers editorial and financial support to conservative and libertarian student journalists. This program aims to foster independent student media and provide resources for aspiring writers and editors.
Scholarly Publications
Periodicals
ISI publishes several academic journals that serve as conduits for scholarly discussion within its areas of focus:
- The Intercollegiate Review (ISSN 0020-5249)
- The Academic Reviewer (ISSN 0567-6487)
- The Political Science Reviewer (ISSN 0091-3715)
Citizenship Study
In 2006, ISI released findings from a survey examining the teaching of American history and institutions in higher education. The report suggested a "coming crisis in citizenship," highlighting concerns about civic literacy among college graduates.
ISI Books Division
Publishing Focus
Until 2023, ISI Books operated as a publishing arm of the institute, specializing in works related to conservative thought, the foundations of Western culture, American history, and political philosophy. It also distributed books from other publishers.
Acquisition by Regnery
In 2023, ISI Books was acquired by Regnery Publishing, a prominent publisher of conservative literature. This transition marked a new chapter for the imprint's legacy.
Notable Publication
A significant publication from ISI Books was Rick Santorum's It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, released in 2005. The book achieved bestseller status and generated considerable discussion, particularly during Santorum's subsequent political campaigns.
External Resources
Official Website
The primary online presence for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, providing comprehensive information about its mission, programs, publications, and leadership.
Visit ISI Website ➡️Financial Filings
Access to IRS filings for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, as compiled by ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer, offering transparency into the organization's financial operations.
View Filings ➡️Teacher's Corner
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References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data, which may not be exhaustive or entirely current. The information presented here should not be construed as professional academic, political, or ideological advice.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting primary sources, engaging with academic experts, or conducting independent research. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals or consult original materials for specific inquiries or detailed understanding.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.